Family-home child-care providers may need more culturally and linguistically appropriate nutrition training. Although some positive practices are in place, improvements are needed when it comes to providing proper nutrition for children being cared for in family child-care homes (FCCHs), Rhode Island data suggests. FCCHs provide child care in family homes instead of child-care centers. In most states they are more loosely regulated than child-care centers, according to a report from the University of Rhode Island, Brown University School of Public Health, and Rhode Island Department of Health. The researchers suggest that state licensing requirements are the key to achieving better nutrition for children in FCCHs. Their study suggests that FCCH providers need nutrition-related training that is appropriate for various cultures.
Of 536 licensed FCCHs in Rhode Island, 105 randomly selected facilities completed a survey about provider nutrition attitudes and practices, demographics, and characteristics, including participation in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program.
According to the report, nearly 70% of FCCHs said they received nutrition training from zero to three times during the past three years. However, more than 60% found these trainings to be very helpful. More Hispanic than non-Hispanic providers strongly agreed to sitting with children during meals, encouraging children to finish their plate, and being involved with parents on the topics of healthy eating and weight.
"Regardless of provider ethnicity, our findings suggest the need for effective policies and supportive trainings and resources to improve the nutrition environments of FCCHs," the researchers concluded.
Study: An Assessment of Nutrition Practices and Attitudes in Family Child-Care Homes: Implications for Policy Implementation, Alison Tovar, PhD, MPH, University of Rhode Island,